SFSU Public Affairs Press Release

#011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Love, politics, laughter and jazz: SFSU offers dozens of unique and offbeat classes to engage students

Students choose from more than 3,700 courses during fall 2001 semester

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 20, 2001 - With laptop computers, calculators and books in hand, students begin classes at San Francisco State University later this month and choose from nearly 3,700 courses as they work toward a bachelor's or master's degree or enrich their personal lives.

Aside from the more traditional courses of English composition, calculus and psychology, the University offers dozens of unique classes, giving students the opportunity to earn college credit through the study of unusual topics. The following is a sampling of those courses.

Business -- "How green are you?"

Greening of America (450): Regardless of whether your dot-com is in the black or red, more important is whether it's green. This class focuses on the impact of companies on the natural environment and the steps taken by businesses to become environmentally sustainable. Class meets 12:10 to 3:25 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Business Building, Room 113. Instructor: Murray Silverman, (415) 338-7489.

History --"Love and sex over time"

Comparative History of Love and Sexuality (313): How has love changed over the years and what practices are now accepted that in the past may have been restricted? This class is based on the changes in the attitudes surrounding love and sexuality in selected western and non-western cultures. Class meets 7 to 9:45 p.m. Mondays in the Health and Social Sciences Building, Room 153. Instructor: Martin Meeker, (415) 338-7544.

"Dueling Cities"

California Cities: Los Angeles/San Francisco (642): Taught by historian and award-winning baseball writer Professor Jules Tygiel, this class looks at the longstanding rivalry and contrasting histories of California's two most famous cities: Los Angeles and San Francisco from 1850 to 1940. Class meets 7 to 9:45 p.m. Mondays in the Health and Social Sciences Building, Room 102. Instructor: Jules Tygiel, (415) 338-1119.

Meteorology -- "Earthquakes or tornadoes - take your pick"

California Weather Events (356): Taught by well-known storm chaser and weather phenomenon expert Professor John Monteverdi, this class investigates the basic meteorology of normal and abnormal weather events in California. Students also engage in virtual tornado chases based on footage taken by Monteverdi in the Great Plains. Class meets 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in Thornton Hall, Room 604. Instructor John Monteverdi, (415) 338-7728.

Theater Arts -- "Laugh a little, will you?"

The Art of Comedy (406): This class examines what makes people laugh, from jokes and intricate stage farces to the psychology of laughter and the craft of comic writing. Taught by Professor Larry Eilenberg, artistic director for the Magic Theater, students learn from working comedians, writers and actors who talk about the techniques involved in making people chuckle. Class meets 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Creative Arts Building, Room 107. Instructor: Larry Eilenberg, (415) 338-1884.

Political Science - "Ethics, politics, the environment, social change and much more"

Ethics and Politics (731): This class examines the conflicts between public good, individual values and social creeds. Students also look at ethical dilemmas in U.S. public policymaking, unethical behavior by candidates and political officials and causes of ethical failures. Class meets 6:10 to 9:50 p.m. Mondays in the Health and Social Sciences Building, Room 101. Instructor is Matthew Stolz, (415) 338-7525.

Politics, the Environment and Social Change (354): The intersection of political theory, the environmental crisis and social change in America as taught by Joel Kassiola, dean of the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences. Class meet 12:20 to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in Health and Social Sciences, Room 246. Instructor: Joel Kassiola, (415) 338-2409.

Criminal Justice -- "Honest cops"

Ethics in Criminal Justice (550): With well-publicized allegations of police corruption in Los Angeles and Oakland, this course focuses on ethics in law enforcement. Taken by many law enforcement officers, students examine ethics, policing, the courts and the prison industry. Class meets 12:35 to 1:50 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Humanities Building, Room 126. Instructor: Ken Walsh (415) 338-1312.

Music -- "Female fixtures in the jazz world"

Women in Jazz (558): The role of women in the history of jazz is the topic of discussion as led by nationally recognized jazz expert, pianist, singer and composer Professor Dee Spencer. Class meets 6:10 to 8:55 p.m. Wednesdays in the Creative Arts Building, Room 146. Instructor: Dee Spencer, (415) 338-1566.